Paddock Calls for Stricter Review of Google Wetlands Application
Fort Wayne City Councilman Geoff Paddock has written a letter to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) urging them to strictly review Google's application to build on more protected wetlands. The public hearing, which will take place via Microsoft Teams video call, is scheduled for August 25.
Paddock cited concerns from his constituents about the ongoing environmental disruption and additional requests from Google beyond its original blueprints. The company has already been approved for several expansions, including backup generators and land, with IDEM granting permission despite public hearings.
The letter also highlighted that the wetlands issue was not discussed when the City Council rezoned the area in 2023, which Paddock believes is unusual given typical environmental review processes. He asked IDEM to require Google to work within stated environmental parameters and avoid further strain on the wetlands.